I just got a quote back for 2cm quartz pieces for a custom niche, and it was over $1,200! And if the niche is mounted in an outside wall, this is a whole other ball game. All these foam and plastic niches can distort if not fully supported. It seems like youre being quite forgiving of the mistake that they made (I agree with your evaluation, btw). Your acrylic idea is interesting and it may work, but it would be a bit risky to ask your tile installer to cut and install this material since he/she has probably never handled this kind of material. So you saved us potential issues down the road. I dont see any problem with this other than the fact that you must construct your own custom niche box to acheive the unique height and depth (rather than using a preformed niche). Two Heads Better Than One: Are His and Hers Showers Worth It? Well yes the shower shelves should be slightly sloped to let soapy water drain away. We are doing a shower remodel where the niche will have to go on an external wall, no choice. This can cause mold to grow here which is not disastrous but it doesnt look very nice. 7 Common Shower Problems (And How to Fix Them) - Home Repair Ninja I trim around it Is it too late to add some type of trim now ? Yes, but also no, Shower Water Pressure Low? Thanks for your help! What Liquids Can You Use To Unclog A Toilet? shower niche moisture problem | DIY Home Improvement Forum In my opinion, all niches should bond with the shower wall waterproofing membrane whether theyre finished stainless steel or prefab tiled. Shulter has two niches that are longer, both of which have an adjustable 2" dividing shelf to customize your required size. Im assuming that the edges of the tile are exposed around the perimeter of the shower niche. The only safe way to do this is to build a new wall adjacent to the brick wall. Just a thought. In this article, well take a look at the various types of shower heads and discuss the, Your email address will not be published. Sorry I didnt get back to you sooner. The old-school traditional hand-fabricated shower niches have high chance of leaking problems A square or rectangular niche design has corners and crevices that can make it difficult to remove. Hi, However, to get the most out of the steam shower experience, its important to select the, Are you tired of dealing with a dirty and dingy walk-in shower? The most practical and coolest shower niche shelf in my opinion is the stainless steel shower niche shelf. Great article. Does this change things or is the condensation problem still an issue regardless? Trowel a 12-in. If there is a membrane, you will likely destroy it and this would be worse than leaving as is. Understanding the most common problems, such as warping, poor installation, and mold and mildew buildup, is the first step in avoiding them. Make Sure It Integrates with the Waterproofing Membrane, Shower Membrane Waterproofing The Definitive Guide, waterproofing membrane has been installed, a very low perm rating like the Durock sheet membrane or Wedi Subliner Dry, Installing porcelain tile on the shower wall instead of ceramic, https://www.custombuildingproducts.com/media/59976485/mbp_ss129_114.pdf. Your bar soap will probably slip off the shelf, but you dont want water pooling at the base of the wall tiles regardless of how well youve sealed this margin. It usually starts out as very fine cracks at the corners that cant easily be seen. Click here for my full Personal / Professional Disclosure. It becomes a much bigger problem when the wall studs are 24. Preventive measures: To prevent warping in your shower niche, it is important to use high-quality materials and take steps to reduce exposure to moisture and water. The standard depth of a shower niche is 3.5 inches, the width of a wood stud. The SN-1212 square shower niche available in polished stainless steel brushed stainless steel and matte black stainless steel is made from premium 304-grade stainless steel, the ultimate material for enduring rust, stains, scratches, and corrosion. The shower is tiled in plain white subway tiles and this is what is bordering the niche. This can allow water to seep in behind the tiles and cause damage. The inside of the niche measurements are 12" x 20" (305 mm x 508 mm) and 12" x 28" (305 mm x 711 mm). Sometimes this is a bearing wall that the structural integrity of your home depends on, and sometimes its not. As long as the water spray doesn't go directly at it, it doesn't really matter where it is if the tile job was properly done. A Complete Guide to Smart Shower Pros and Cons, Essential Oils in the Shower: 5 Simple Hacks to Revitalize Your Shower Routine, Goodbye Boring Shower: How to Use Shower Steamers. At least with this type of install, you can waterproof the wall recess properly. The shower environment is harsh due to its constant exposure to water and fluctuating temperatures. If horizontal tiles are installed first, the water would have to move upslope under the wall tile in order to make it to the wall, which is much less likely. Causes of mold and mildew: Mold and mildew are common problems in shower niches, especially in areas with high humidity levels. What do you suggest? As far as I am aware, the Redblock niche and the Easy Drain niche are the only stainless steel niches designed to bond with the shower wall waterproofing membrane. Acrylic tiles are a popular material for walk-in showers due to their durability and ease of cleaning. If the only barrier to water getting behind the tiles is a strip of caulking, then eventually, you could have problems. In this comprehensive guide, well dive into the most common shower niche problems, and provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to overcome them. There is a lot more I could say on this, but I think you get the picture . After a shower wall is tiled, its too risky to attempt to repair or re-build a shower niche at this point. Most decent contractors will say that applying the correct structural framing around the niche will adequately fortify the structure. A good grout sealer will help reduce this problem (Sealers Choice Gold by Custom Building Products). The SN-1212 square shower niche available in polished stainless steel brushed stainless steel and matte black stainless steel is made from premium 304-grade stainless steel, the ultimate material for enduring rust, stains, scratches, and corrosion. So now Im contemplating what to do. However, these features can also experience various problems that can detract from the overall look and functionality of the shower whether it is a walk-in shower or traditional. The wall behind is subway tile, and another accent tile to the left. You can get a piece of galvanized steel cut at any sheet steel supplier or fabricator in your area. Do you see any problem doing this? In my opinion, a typical structural header and jack stud assembly can still be acceptable in some circumstances if the wall is non-structural, but this assembly must be built flawlessly. We had a niche installed (3-1/4 inches, 4 with the listello) in an outside wall of a shower. September 13, 2017 Raise your hand if your morning routine involves navigating around shampoo bottles perched precariously on the tub ledge, body wash and conditioner piled in a corner, or the sad. Really appreciate the info on the structural issues with long niches. Nothing is safer that the parallel wall design I mentioned above. We dont mind these. Besides this problem, the angle is terrible and things often slide off the shelf. When you know the issues with shower niches, you can make sure to avoid them when installing your shower. Call Us: (205) 640-2848 About; Services. And if we wanted to block it up, what materials ways should this been done to ensure the integrity is restored? Using construction adhesive in the joints around the header and installing blocking between the remaining stud bays, will also significantly increase the walls rigidity. It would work better to reduce moisture behind the niche. The membrane would cover the niche mounting flange so no screws were visible. Slant the bottom of the niche just enough so that water flows out of it, but not so much that bars of soap and bottles of shampoo slide out. With the right cleaning supplies and a simple 7-step, Are you tired of your outdated bathroom and ready for a bathroom remodel? Recently my bathroom was remodeled with a niche installed. The overall cost would depend on the location you are living in, the time of purchase, and the seller you have picked to purchase from. The only thing I would suggest is that you keep them out of the splash zone just because its more convenient to access when you are showering. First time dealing with contractors, we really need . It doesnt take a waterproofing expert to see that this tiny silicon bead is the only defence against water running into the wall cavity. This movement frequently leads to grout line cracking in the shower niche. Thanks for your article. If the sealant is compromised here, water could recede into gaps with nowhere to drain. Seal the grout (and the voids) thoroughly with a grout sealer like Sealers Choice Gold. You may be thinking that a leak like this seems unlikely if the niche is properly tiled & grouted after construction, and you would be right for awhile. I am assuming that at least one of your shower walls is a brick wall, and this is the wall where your want your shower niche to be installed. 2) for the niche, he will set up later after he start installing the tile from the bottom, so he can know where the niche goes and make it looks better with the tile. Color: Brushed Stainless Steel. A Complete Guide on Rain Shower Head Pros and Cons. Cut and glue/caulk the Palisade/Dumawall tile to cover the sides of the shower niche. Model # ABN0836-BSS. wedi Shower Niche 16 in. Of course, none of this will necessarily occur if the shower wall and niche are properly waterproofed, and there is enough space behind the shower niche for adequate insulation. This is Steve from SKG Renovations with a few tips you must know to avoid the 5 BIG shower niche install mistakes during your next shower remodel. OUR GURANTEE - 100% waterproof and leak-proof guaranteed. It will also be difficult to get these tiles off without breaking them so you need some spares that you can use as replacements. The fact that you live in Florida does make the outside wall problem a little less of a problem than if you were living in an area that experiences more extreme temperature fluctuations seasonally. Steve, great article! Thanks for your comment! This post is for information purposes only and should NOT be interpreted as professional advice. I would use the 5/8 or 3/4 thickness for extra structural stability, cut to size and glued together with a polyurethane sealant like Dap polyurethane sealant. There are many commercial tile cleaners available on the market that are specifically designed to clean different types of tiles, such as ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone. If we leave 1/4 spacing (1/8 around) to thinset around the niche cavity to install over the waterproofing membrane, do you feel that will be sufficient? Only a small temperature differential can cause the moisture in this shower wall to condense on the inside of the wall. Its a non-load bearing wall but there is a floor above, I found your article great as it talked about considering other issues, not just weight from above. Wow! What about horizontal placement in the long wall?Vertical placement on the long wall? Shower Niche Maximum storage, minimal space Features: 3 moveable shelves Removable shelves for easy cleaning Designed to prevent water pooling 32"L x 17"W x 4"D Options: White Biscuit Dune Details The smaller Shower Niche maximizes your space within the shower through three moveable shelves and four placement options for customized storage. What do you think about ez niche? Installing a Kerdi-board niche Id love if there are pictures to see the different options. If everything looks good behind the niche (no moisture or mold), then I would leave the niche alone until you do a full shower remodel. We are currently in a remodel and was thinking of this horizontal niche with a light in the top corner. Is it okay (or preferable) to install the shelf itself last, or should we install the shelf prior to tiling the surrounding walls? If there are hairline cracks here (there often are after the grout has broken away beneath) moisture can infiltrate and pool over the silicon bead. Proper ventilation and climate control, such as using a dehumidifier or ensuring that the bathroom has adequate ventilation, can also help to reduce the risk of warping. Hi Steve For more shower niche ideas, click here. Let me know if you need more clarification or if youd like to give me more details for further assessment. I recently remodelled my wifes retreat bath using a Schluter pre-fabricated niche and it saved so much time and hassle. My suggestion would simply be to install a tall vertical niche (with shelves) on the wall opposite the valve wall. You can also check out my Shower Niche Guide if youd like to see an example of a tiled niche and the tile edge trim that your contractor was likely referring to. Assuming this is correct, I would suggest that you install the shelf before the tile. The best type of sealant to use will depend on the specific needs and conditions of your bathroom and shower niche, as well as the materials used in the niche itself. not a great look. Another BIG one among shower niche install mistakes, is the construction of a custom horizontal tiled niche that compromises the structural integrity of the shower wall. These environmental factors result in slight movement of the shower niche tile, primarily due to expansion and contraction. The constant buildup of mildew and mold can not only be unsightly but also pose a health hazard. Shower niche - not waterproof bc of gap | Terry Love Plumbing Advice They also left some of the spacers in and grouted over them. If Im misunderstanding you, please provide some more info so I can make a better assessment. Even without a shower niche, this can easily occur within a 3 1/2 stud wall in the colder months, especially if theres no waterproofing membrane on the shower wall. One possibility is that the grout or caulking around the niche isn't properly sealed. I cant seem to find any information about removing and replacing tiles in a shower niche though, so Im just not sure how to go about this. This process should be performed by a professional contractor or plumber. Whether you or your contractor uses a liquid or sheet style waterproofing membrane, it does not matter, as long as you dont skip this important step during your next shower remodel! A mild soap and water solution is typically all that is needed for cleaning, although more specialized cleaners may be necessary for removing tough stains or buildup. slope over 3 in. TIA! 3) he recommend us a 1/32 grout size for a 12*24 rectified tile for easy to clean it although the manufacturer recommends 1/8. Have a really great DIY project or tutorial that you want to share with others? Use a niche that is longer to give you more height for your items. The tile is then applied on the shower wall as usual, but the hole is left exposed so the retrofit shower niche can later be inserted into it. Maybe this isnt such a good idea? An expansion/ contraction joint is required here and silicon serves this purpose well. Hi Steve, When tiling a shower niche, you will have a ninety-degree outside corner where your shower wall meets the niche. The chance of anybody screwing something into the wall below 3 feet are very low. 4. something you can easily avoid. Durability and resistance to water: When choosing materials for your shower niche, it is important to consider their durability and resistance to water. Both if we wanted to keep the niche? It is a rental property and we could just warn tenants not to hang anything there, but in our experience that usually never ends well. Leakage/Water damage There are a few things that can cause leakage and water damage in shower niches. The sealer is super important to ensure you get a good bond between the old grout and the new caulking. I find it looks really cheap and asked him if we can find another solution. Without these options, youre probably better off installing a regular tiled niche using something like Schluter Kerdi SN. The trim is called Quadec by Schluter Systems. If this happens, it could eventually cause mold growth or tile delamination even if water doesnt get into the wall cavity. I speak english and french so translating it directly I believe he said an L-angle edging trim ? In addition, regular cleaning can help to extend the lifespan of the niche, as it prevents water damage and other problems that can result from accumulated dirt and debris. The miscalculated using measurement for a walk in shower I believe, rather than glass on tub. We will be using Laticrete Hydroban board to waterproof the shower including the niche cavity. The safest solution would be a sheet of plate steel behind the entire niche. Steve, I originally planned to put two of the N1014 stainless niches stacked vertically a few inches apart on the rear wall of a tub shower combo (opposite the shower head). You definitely need to do something about these problems areas to reduce the chance of moisture getting behind the tile. When a custom niche is built well, it can look very sturdy, solid and deceptively waterproof. It will be a single 30 square niche. you guessed right.at this point the niche is useless unless we re-do everything. Vinegar is a natural, tile shower niche friendly cleaner that removes grime, dirt, and soap scum from tiles. Can you tile right on the concrete wall, use the waterproofing membrane all around and have good results? Thank you for your comment! As for the tile/ tub margin the best way is always to silicon this margin. Thank you for your comment, and Im sorry to hear about your troubles with your niche install. For assistance with a shower wall panels installation or factory-direct DIY shower wall panel supply contact Innovate Building Solutions at 877-668-5888. The cracks often start as fine lines at the corners, which may not be immediately noticeable. Another huge benefit of this parallel wall design is that it basically gives you the green light to install your niche into an outside shower wall (see below for more details). Received 672 Upvotes on 595 Posts. If youre considering building / installing a niche in your new shower remodel project, you have likely seen many examples of this type of niche. Hi Steve In addition to moisture buildup, improper ventilation, poor ventilation and drainage, and using non-waterproof materials can also contribute to the growth of mold and mildew in shower niches. Thirdly, I would insulate with spray foam if possible.